Review

Jérôme Naulais
Trombone Plaisir (Trombone Pleasure): Rock, jazz, latin, samba, …, vol. 3: 18 études:

Paris, , France
Publisher: Gérard Billaudot Éditeur
Date of Publication: 2000

Primary Genre: Study Material - etude

This book of eighteen etudes is the third of a three-volume progressive set with volumes 1 and 2 graded 2-3 and 4-6 respectively. The etudes of this third volume, graded 7-8 are well-crafted, original, advanced level character studies based on a variety of fairly contemporary dance, jazz and popular idioms. All but three etudes have style designations such as swing, bossa nova, ragtime, rock, and so on, but they are neither lightweight in style nor clichéd examples of these idioms as one might suspect. They are rather more in the tradition of the stylized dances of Chopin in that they presume prior knowledge of the designated styles. These etudes will effectively motivate the conscientious student to search out and study representative models as part of the preparatory process. 

In addition to the abundant variety of styles and rhythms, these etudes present constant challenges with chromaticism, frequent and unpredictable tonal shifts, and clef changes (bass and tenor) that demand sustained high-levels of concentration. Even accomplished sight-readers will likely need considerable preparation to insure a satisfactory performance. The range demands are modest, never exceeding c2 and working much of the time in the middle register where tuning and slide control issues abound. The pedal AA that ends the final etude is the only pitch below E. These are fine contemporary etudes and I strongly recommend them. 

-Arthur Jennings
University of Florida